This is the month of Thanksgiving, and as millions of Americans gather with their family to celebrate this joyous occasion, the rest of us can also take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of giving thanks – not to mention the benefits of cultivating the spirit of gratitude.

Research has found that those who practice thankfulness are better able to cope with stress. They are emotionally more positive and attain their goals more easily. Gratitude has also been shown to produce a number of measurable effects on the physical body, which includes reduced aches and pain, improved blood sugar levels and hormonal balance.

Gratitude is not about how much we have going for us or how much we have accumulated. It is not something to practice only when we encounter good fortune or when a holiday calls for it. Being thankful is something to practice all-year round no matter what life brings. With an attitude of gratitude, we are better equipped to traverse the ebb and flow of life. It expands our capacity to be happy and it elevates our spirit. It allows us to transcend circumstances which are beyond our control to accept challenging situations courageously and to radiate a special brand of joy and grace despite them. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and leadership coach describes it aptly when she says, “Gratitude is an antidote to life’s hardships and a magnifier of its blessings.”

One way to harness the positive effects of gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal where you consciously pause to record something that you are thankful for each day. Over time, you will have a collection of uplifting memories of all that you were blessed with. Other ways to cultivate gratitude:

Keep a gratitude album of picture of things and situations that made your heart sing

Express your gratitude with thank you notes and messages to further spread the joy

Practice mindfulness to truly appreciate the moment and all it brings

Pray

To thank all our loyal and dearest customers, this month Balanced Living is also getting on the bandwagon to say thanks and give back. Our Think Pink and Womb Wisdom workshops include generous goodie bags whose value far exceed the cost of the ticket. We invite you to give back to yourself by offering Reiki at a heavily discounted rate, and I am even doing free Australian Bush Flower Essence readings at The Living Café. So do drop by, grab a bite and say Hi! With that, we wish you all a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

Tiffany Wee

Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist, Mindful Eating, Reiki

Born in Singapore and trained in Australia, Tiffany has consulted in world-renowned health establishments like Chiva Som, ESPA and Balanced Living. She is recognised by her clients for her warmth, efficiency and expertise in helping them achieve their individual health potential. Tiffany is also the first in Asia to offer UCSD’s Mindful Eating course.

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